Regulation of the epigenome of islet-cells and diabetes

Job summary

A postdoctoral position is available in Jorge Ferrer’s laboratory.

The programme is a continuation of work recently published in Nature Genetics 2010 Mar;42(3):255-9. Jan 31, Genome Research 2010 Apr 15 which has provided novel information on the epigenetic regulation of insulin-producing cells, and its role in diabetes. Further information on the lab’s recent work can be found at www.betacellregulation.net.

The purpose of this programme of work will be to employ highthroughput sequencing technologies to increase our understanding of how genetic variation impacts the epigenoma of human insulin-producing cells

Main Duties

The successful applicant will develop a project that responds to one a central outstanding questions in human genetics and epigenetics. A substantial amount of effort will be devoted to the analysis of highthroughput sequencing datasets from chromatin assays, such as ChIP-Seq experiments. He or she will interact with other lab members that have developed expertise in either chromatin biology and/or computational genomic analysis.

Duties and Responsabilities

• To contribute to the design and planning of experiments in relation to this project
• To develop a thorough understanding of the research field and be involved in the intellectual decision making process required for successful completion of the project
• To set up and run experiments in consultation with the Principal Investigator
• To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments and ensure that laboratory notebooks are kept fully up to date as a formal record of the research
• To prepare and present findings of research to the Principal Investigator and other members of the centre
• To prepare progress reports on research
• The post holder may be required to perform some limited teaching and/or supervision of other members of staff and/or students, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Responsible for ensuring that designated equipment is safe and maintained in good working order
• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder
• The post holder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the Principal Investigator

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in a life science discipline
• PhD in an appropiate life science discipline

Desirable:

• Publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals

Skills

Essential:

• Abilitity to develop ideas logically and design experiments to test hypotheses
• Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance a project
• Ability to analyse and write up data for presentations and publications
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Record of delivering high quality research

Desirable:

• Expertise in programming and large-scale genomic analysis will be evaluated positively
• Ability to direct junior members of the laboratory in simple laboratory procedures

Experience

Essential:

Experience of working in a research environment

Desirable:

Experience of multi-disciplinary working

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Commitment to high quality research
• Ability to work effectively as part of the team
• Ability to work independently and to use own initiative when required

(Read eligibility criteria)